Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of November 2025, Stanthorpe's population is estimated at around 5,442 people. This reflects an increase of 156 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,286 people in the suburb. The current resident population estimate of 5,419 by AreaSearch, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of approximately 170 persons per square kilometer for Stanthorpe. The suburb's population growth rate of 3.0% since the census positions it within 2.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (5.5%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods in Stanthorpe.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort when utilising them. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth of regional areas across the nation. Stanthorpe is expected to grow by 18 persons to reach a total population of approximately 5,460 people by the year 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall reduction of 0.1% in total over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Stanthorpe, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Stanthorpe has experienced around 13 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 66 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY26. On average, 0.6 new residents arrive per new home constructed over these five years.

This indicates that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $433,000, which is under regional levels, suggesting more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $8.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Stanthorpe shows approximately 57% of the construction activity per person.

Nationally, it places among the 40th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing properties. This is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 77.0% standalone homes and 23.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 415 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections show stability or decline, which should see reduced housing demand pressures in Stanthorpe, benefiting potential buyers.

Stanthorpe has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified five projects likely influencing the region. Notable ones are 14 Wallangarra Road Student Accommodation, The Avenues Stanthorpe, Stanthorpe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, and Stanthorpe Streetscape Project, with the following list detailing those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Stanthorpe has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Stanthorpe has a balanced workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.0%.

As of June 2025, 2,270 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 47.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share three times the regional level.

Conversely, mining shows lower representation at 0.6% versus the regional average of 3.6%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the past year, ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.0% while labour force grew by 5.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in Sep-22, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Stanthorpe's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Stanthorpe's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $38,665. The average income stood at $47,217 during the same period. Both figures were below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, current estimates projected median and average incomes to be approximately $44,074 and $53,823 respectively, based on a 13.99% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, Stanthorpe's household, family, and personal incomes fell within the 2nd to 7th percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 33.2% of locals (1,806 people) had incomes between $400 and $799, differing from broader areas where the $1,500 to $2,999 category was predominant at 31.7%. Economic pressures were evident with 42.7% of households having modest weekly budgets below $800 after housing costs. Post-housing, 85.1% of income remained, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Stanthorpe is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Stanthorpe's dwelling structure in its latest Census comprised 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 92.3% houses and 7.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Stanthorpe was 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.8% and rented ones at 31.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,200, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300, and the median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $255. Nationally, Stanthorpe's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Stanthorpe features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 61.1% of all households, including 18.6% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 9.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.9%, with lone person households at 36.2% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Stanthorpe faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 16.3%, substantially lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.2% and certificates at 28.0%. Educational participation is high at 25.1%, including primary education (10.3%), secondary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

Stanthorpe's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,318 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 971) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. The area serves as an education hub with 24.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 14.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Stanthorpe has six operational public transport stops, all of which serve buses. These stops are covered by two distinct routes that together facilitate 20 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transports is considered limited, with residents generally situated 977 meters away from the nearest stop.

Across all routes, service frequency averages two trips daily, leading to roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Stanthorpe is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Stanthorpe faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The private health cover rate is notably low at approximately 46%, covering around 2,498 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 12.4% and 8.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 59.6% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the 62.0% reported across the Rest of Qld. Stanthorpe has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 32.4% (1,763 people) compared to the 27.0% in the Rest of Qld.

Stanthorpe ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Stanthorpe, surveyed in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index below the average. Of its population, 88.3% were Australian citizens, 83.2% were born in Australia, and 90.4% spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 62.6% of Stanthorpe's population, compared to 63.9% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were English (30.0%), Australian (27.2%), and Irish (8.5%). Notably, Italian (8.2%) and German (4.4%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Stanthorpe compared to regional averages of 2.8% and 5.6%, respectively. Korean ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.4%.

Stanthorpe ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Stanthorpe's median age is 50 years, which is significantly older than Rest of Qld's median age of 41 years and higher than the Australian median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that the group aged 65-74 years is particularly prominent at 16.6%, while the group aged 5-14 years is comparatively smaller at 9.4% compared to Rest of Qld. This concentration of individuals aged 65-74 years is well above the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the age group 15-24 has grown from 8.9% to 11.1%, while the age group 75-84 has increased from 10.5% to 11.6%. Conversely, the age group 5-14 has declined from 11.6% to 9.4%, and the age group 45-54 has dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests that Stanthorpe's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The age cohort of individuals aged 85 years and above is projected to expand considerably, increasing by 141 people (62%) from 228 to 370. Senior residents aged 65 years and above will drive 68% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, both age groups 35-44 and 65-74 are projected to see reduced numbers.